Introduced as a program of DCI in 2013, and with a focus on music and showmanship year-round, SoundSport is designed to cater to groups of all shapes, sizes and instrumental configurations. Teams consisting of five or more members of any age perform five- to seven-minute productions on a 30- by 20-yard performance stage area.

The announcement comes two years after DCUK began hosting DCI-affiliated DrumLine Battle competitions as part of its performance opportunities. DCUK officials see the addition of SoundSport as a way to encourage the growth and development of new local groups in the United Kingdom.

“DCUK was re-launched in 2008 and at that time we saw the membership increase, however, over the past two to three years there has been a slight reduction in the number of corps taking an active role, and across the activity, there has been a general decline in competing units year over year,” said Alan Thompson, Chairman of Marching & Performing Arts UK on behalf of DCUK. “Bringing SoundSport into the range of opportunities we can offer performing groups, specifically with the support and backup that DCI provides, is part of a medium- to long-term strategy to ensure we can secure our future.”

“We’re enthusiastic about the large and immediate potential for growth of the marching arts in the UK through SoundSport,” said John DeNovi, DCI Senior Director of Global Business Development. “SoundSport was created to allow a diverse range of groups worldwide the opportunity to take their place on stage in a low-cost, low-barrier to entry marching music performance experience.”

Complete details about SoundSport events scheduled in the United Kingdom will be announced in the coming weeks. UK teams interested in registering for SoundSport or DrumLine Battle should contact DCUK by email at admin@dcuk.org.uk.